NAV

Rating: 18
Author: Gault&Millau

Masarykova ulica 11/1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

18/20
Prestige Restaurant

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5 PHOTOS

Location: Zagreb
Chef: Tvrtko ŠakotaTvrtko Šakota
Cooking: Signature cuisine
Services: Pets allowed
Style: Casual

Gault&Millau's review 2026

18/20

Prestige Restaurant

Hidden in a secluded courtyard in the very heart of Zagreb, NAV interprets contemporary Croatian cuisine through a deeply personal, auteur perspective. Behind a simple sign at the entrance lies an experience bypassing traditional fine dining conventions, built instead on absolute trust in raw ingredients, micro seasonality, and the creative impulse of chef Tvrtko Šakota. Šakota has spent years pushing boundary lines in local gastronomy. His signature dishes pair traditional Croatian recipes with techniques gathered from global travels, converting familiar flavours into unexpected formats that draw out the deepest essence of every ingredient. Reflecting this mindset, the wine selection focuses strictly on organic and biodynamic labels. The tasting journey opens with a brioche baked from a 27 year old sourdough starter, served alongside artisan cheese made from Lika (continental Croatian region) milk, fermented strawberries, and olive oil. Traditional štrukli undergo a complete metamorphosis here, combined with Lika cheese, cream caramel, wild ground elder, and seven year aged aceto balsamico. Turning Slavonian wheat into couscous and pairing it with cured Slavonian pork guanciale, sweet peas, and Zadar saffron, Šakota connects distinct Croatian regions and their signature flavours on a single plate. Fiorentina steak prepared as a rich beef tartare arrived as the crowning moment of the savoury courses. A delicate tres leches pre dessert readied the palate for the finale, combining house made mascarpone, white and black mulberries, and subtly smoked cherries. The experience at NAV looks like a concert of your favourite musician: you wish that it never ends!